Agricultural Manager

The Carolina Farm Stewardship Association is seeking an Agricultural Manager for the Veterans Healing Farm in Hendersonville, NC. The role involves overseeing daily farm operations, managing vegetable production, scheduling volunteers, and maintaining farm facilities. Candidates should have experience in ecological farming, team management, and community engagement. The position emphasizes a commitment to serving Veterans through agritherapy and requires effective communication and teamwork skills.
About The Farm Veteran’s Healing Farm (http://veteranshealingfarm.org/) is a 501(c)(3) organization based in Hendersonville, NC. Our mission is to enhance the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of our nation’s Veterans and their families. This program focuses on agritherapy through three primary programs: organic farming, beekeeping, growing and use of medicinal herbs, therapies and therapeutic classes, and Veteran focused events. Job Description The Veterans Healing Farms is looking for an exceptional candidate to fill the role of Agricultural Manager. The Agricultural Manager will oversee and run all day-to-day farm operations. An interest and enthusiasm for garden-based education is a highly important aspect of this position. The Agricultural Manager reports to the Director of Operations and works with the VHF team to facilitate farming, educational tasks, and managing volunteers. The Agricultural Manager should possess strong experience and knowledge of ecological, year-round vegetable production, experience managing a team of workers, a demonstrated aptitude to engage and cultivate new relationships within our community, and a strong, self-motivated work ethic. Organizational Requirements Must be goal-driven, results-oriented and committed to the organization’s mission to serve Veterans and their caregivers. Must have an understanding of the mission, history, values, and goals of the organization and be able to communicate this information to diverse groups of potential donors and volunteers. Must have the ability to work effectively as a team member with staff and volunteers. Must have the ability to maintain confidential information, and have high ethical standards. Must be able to adapt to and excel in a fast-paced environment. Must have the ability to effectively communicate in a professional manner with volunteers, veterans, staff, board members, and anyone associated with Veterans Healing Farm. Job Responsibilities Oversee all vegetable and fruit production (6,000 pounds annually) on ~4 acres of farmland, with attention to nutrient management and organic practices. Provide weekly supervision and scheduling activities for volunteer workers, seasonal part-time workers and staff, and volunteer service groups. Assist in overall grounds maintenance of 11.5 acre farm with 2 acre pond, farm facilities, parking, etc. Includes mowing, weed eating, mulching, trash removal, and maintenance of buildings. Develop and monitor irrigation systems and hand-water as needed, including creating and managing a watering schedule for nursery, medicinal garden, and production fields. Work with the Director of Operations to create annual production goals, develop system of record keeping and management, track volunteer hours, and an annual farm budget. Oversee distribution of produce and special projects at the Charles George Veterans Affairs Medical Center, as well as other area locations. Ensure timely maintenance of garden beds, storage areas, paths, grassed areas, etc. to promote safety and continued agritourism efforts of VHF. Assist Director of Operations with hands-on garden-based education including providing the DO with weekly list of potential farm tasks that match with educational goals. Assist in leading farm tours, workshops, community events, as well as speaking to the media and at conferences. Other general tasks as requested by the Director of Operations. Qualifications Excellent communication and leadership skills. Ability to work well with veterans, their family members, caregivers, volunteers, and community members. A minimum 4 years farm work experience. Preferred 2 years farm management experience. Detail-oriented with considerable attention to order, cleanliness, and an ongoing commitment to improving systems. Experience with machinery and power equipment including but not limited to: zero-turn mower, riding tractor (and attachments), farm vehicles, BCA tractor (and attachments), weed eaters, hand-tools, and cropping systems. Knowledge of the principles of soil biology, no-till crop production, permaculture, growing perennials, using cover crops, composting, soil testing, and/or other ecological/organic growing methods is a plus. Building/construction experience is a plus. Experience and desire to work with and teach interns and volunteers on a weekly basis. A track record of success working in a cooperative team environment requiring a high level of planning, communication, and documentation. A desire to produce food of the highest nutritional, culinary, and ecological quality. A desire to continue to learn and grow as a person and farmer. Continuous personal development is encouraged and supported. Willingness to work outdoors in all types of weather, under potentially strenuous conditions. Ability to juggle multiple relationships, projects, and responsibilities. Email communication (timely and proper etiquette), knowledge of Google Drive, Microsoft Word, and Excel. Other Requirements Computer and internet access. Reliable transportation. A valid driver’s license. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Criminal background checks will be required for final applicants. Hours And Compensation Approximately 20 hours/week @ $20 per hour, with some seasonal fluctuation not to exceed 40 hours/week. Tuesday – Saturday. Some evenings may be required for special events. The season will normally start in March and run through November. How To Apply Send a resume, cover letter, and three references to veteranshealingfarm@gmail.com. This position will be open until a suitable candidate is found. Veterans Healing Farm is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications are considered for positions without regard to veteran status, uniformed service member status, race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr